Mowing

Don’t cut your grass too short, particular for cool season grasses. Higher heights usually provide for a deeper root system, looks better, and is less likely to have weeds invading, particularly crabgrass.

Don’t remove any more than one third of the grass leaf at any one cutting. If circumstances arise that a lawn gets too tall and you just have to lop off a bunch to get caught up, bite the bullet and break it down into several mowing to get caught up with 3 or so days between cuttings.

Avoid mowing when the grass is wet or when it’s dark

Avoid throwing grass clippings into the street and driveway where they can be washed into the sewer system. After mowing, clean up driveway and walkways.

When mowing remove only a third with each cutting (except for the first mowing of the season when it’s ok to remove more). You can safely leave clippings that will quickly decompose and add nutrients back into the soil. Contrary to popular opinion, grass clippings do not add to thatch buildup. Grass blades are made up of about 75% water.

Mow your lawn in a different direction with each mowing, especially with lawns of shorter grass types. Altering the direction ensures a more even cut since grass blades will grow more erect and less likely to develop into a set pattern.

Keep your mower’s blade sharp, which means having it sharpened several times during the mowing season. Keep several blades around so you’ll always have a sharp one on hand.

Don’t forget to change your mower’s oil at least once during the mowing season.

At the end of the mowing season use a fuel stabilizer

In the spring, don’t use that old gas unless you properly used a fuel stabilizer, it can cause a number of problems. Better to use fresh gasoline to begin the new mowing season.